GB link: https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=83442.0We've come to the conclusion that we'll be providing three layouts for this keyboard as shown below. The only difference between these three layouts is the bottom row. Please keep in mind that the 6x spacebar in layout #2 isn't that hard to find. It comes in most of the full thick PBT keyset I have for sale on geekkeys.com, as well as most Gateron keysets. I can also source some PBT 6x spacebar in many colors if necessary.
1. 1.5x, 1.25x, 1.5x, 6.25x, 1.25x, 1.25x, 1.0x, 1.0x, 1.0x
2. 1.5x, 1.0x, 1.5x, 6x, 1.5x, 1.5x, 1.0x, 1.0x, 1.0x
3. 1.5x, 1.5x, 7x, 1.5x, 1.5x, 1.0x, 1.0x, 1.0x
![[IC] Smart 68 Keyboard Set (GB is live) 109896-0](https://geekhack.org/index.php?PHPSESSID=ivbqgn8anjj0gmr1otf46tolotm1qk4e&action=dlattach;topic=61714.0;attach=109897;image)
VOTE HEREWe'll need you to vote which type of carbon fiber plates you'd prefer for layout #2 and #3, as we'll decide which type of plate we're gonna produce. If you like layout #1, you don't need to vote. If the vote is like 50/50, we'll make two different plates for layout #2 and #3. If it's not, we'll consider making a compatible plate that fits both layout as shown in the 2nd attachment below (the bottom row is separete from the main plate, and it can be installed individually).
![[IC] Smart 68 Keyboard Set (GB is live) 109900-2](https://geekhack.org/index.php?PHPSESSID=ivbqgn8anjj0gmr1otf46tolotm1qk4e&action=dlattach;topic=61714.0;attach=109901;image)
A video showing LED swappingHere's a video showing the firmness of switchDeeLonG has been preparing for this Smart 68 keyboard set for almost two years. Another product from him would be his aluminum keychain that I introduced to GH about one and a half years ago. Here's the link:
http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=38841.0![[IC] Smart 68 Keyboard Set (GB is live) 74296-4](https://geekhack.org/index.php?PHPSESSID=ivbqgn8anjj0gmr1otf46tolotm1qk4e&action=dlattach;topic=61714.0;attach=74297;image)
![[IC] Smart 68 Keyboard Set (GB is live) 74298-5](https://geekhack.org/index.php?PHPSESSID=ivbqgn8anjj0gmr1otf46tolotm1qk4e&action=dlattach;topic=61714.0;attach=74299;image)
![[IC] Smart 68 Keyboard Set (GB is live) 74300-6](https://geekhack.org/index.php?PHPSESSID=ivbqgn8anjj0gmr1otf46tolotm1qk4e&action=dlattach;topic=61714.0;attach=74301;image)
![[IC] Smart 68 Keyboard Set (GB is live) 74324-7](https://geekhack.org/index.php?PHPSESSID=ivbqgn8anjj0gmr1otf46tolotm1qk4e&action=dlattach;topic=61714.0;attach=74325;image)
The most important selling point for this keyboard: hot-plugging (hot swapping). No soldering needed at all. You can install any MX switches to the PCB slots, and you can change the MX switches anytime you want even while it’s still connected to the computer. After countless testing, you don’t need to worry about their firmness. Once the MX switch is properly installed, it fits stably on the slot. LEDs are hot swappable as well.
![[IC] Smart 68 Keyboard Set (GB is live) 74302-8](https://geekhack.org/index.php?PHPSESSID=ivbqgn8anjj0gmr1otf46tolotm1qk4e&action=dlattach;topic=61714.0;attach=74303;image)
![[IC] Smart 68 Keyboard Set (GB is live) 74304-9](https://geekhack.org/index.php?PHPSESSID=ivbqgn8anjj0gmr1otf46tolotm1qk4e&action=dlattach;topic=61714.0;attach=74305;image)
![[IC] Smart 68 Keyboard Set (GB is live) 74306-10](https://geekhack.org/index.php?PHPSESSID=ivbqgn8anjj0gmr1otf46tolotm1qk4e&action=dlattach;topic=61714.0;attach=74307;image)
Another selling point is the carbon fiber plate which goes on the PCB. Carbon fiber is really strong and more flexible than other materials used for keyboard plates such as aluminum, steel, stainless steel, etc. It also provides a new typing experience that you’ve probably never felt before.
![[IC] Smart 68 Keyboard Set (GB is live) 74308-11](https://geekhack.org/index.php?PHPSESSID=ivbqgn8anjj0gmr1otf46tolotm1qk4e&action=dlattach;topic=61714.0;attach=74309;image)
![[IC] Smart 68 Keyboard Set (GB is live) 74310-12](https://geekhack.org/index.php?PHPSESSID=ivbqgn8anjj0gmr1otf46tolotm1qk4e&action=dlattach;topic=61714.0;attach=74311;image)
![[IC] Smart 68 Keyboard Set (GB is live) 74312-13](https://geekhack.org/index.php?PHPSESSID=ivbqgn8anjj0gmr1otf46tolotm1qk4e&action=dlattach;topic=61714.0;attach=74313;image)
It's also fully programmable. Instructions will be posted once the group buy starts.
Personally I really like the size of 60% keyboards, but there’s just one important thing missing – arrow keys. You don’t really need them a lot, but once a while they just become essential to use. That’s how the producer came up with the current layout – 68-key. He adds arrow keys and some function keys into the regular 61-key layout.
![[IC] Smart 68 Keyboard Set (GB is live) 74314-14](https://geekhack.org/index.php?PHPSESSID=ivbqgn8anjj0gmr1otf46tolotm1qk4e&action=dlattach;topic=61714.0;attach=74315;image)
![[IC] Smart 68 Keyboard Set (GB is live) 74316-15](https://geekhack.org/index.php?PHPSESSID=ivbqgn8anjj0gmr1otf46tolotm1qk4e&action=dlattach;topic=61714.0;attach=74317;image)
Here’s a list showing the length of some keycaps
Spacebar - 6.25x
Left Ctrl – 1.5x
Left Win – 1.25x
Left Alt – 1.5x
Right Alt – 1.25x
Right Ctrl – 1.25x
Right Shift – 1.75x
Capslock – you can choose between regular capslock and stepped capslock
![[IC] Smart 68 Keyboard Set (GB is live) 74318-16](https://geekhack.org/index.php?PHPSESSID=ivbqgn8anjj0gmr1otf46tolotm1qk4e&action=dlattach;topic=61714.0;attach=74319;image)
In the upper right area, the positions of backspace and “~`” key can be switched to the way you prefer.
![[IC] Smart 68 Keyboard Set (GB is live) 74320-17](https://geekhack.org/index.php?PHPSESSID=ivbqgn8anjj0gmr1otf46tolotm1qk4e&action=dlattach;topic=61714.0;attach=74321;image)
![[IC] Smart 68 Keyboard Set (GB is live) 74322-18](https://geekhack.org/index.php?PHPSESSID=ivbqgn8anjj0gmr1otf46tolotm1qk4e&action=dlattach;topic=61714.0;attach=74323;image)
The FN key was placed on the front side of the keyboard in order to allow your thumb switch faster between FN and spacebar.
![[IC] Smart 68 Keyboard Set (GB is live) 74324-19](https://geekhack.org/index.php?PHPSESSID=ivbqgn8anjj0gmr1otf46tolotm1qk4e&action=dlattach;topic=61714.0;attach=74325;image)
![[IC] Smart 68 Keyboard Set (GB is live) 74326-20](https://geekhack.org/index.php?PHPSESSID=ivbqgn8anjj0gmr1otf46tolotm1qk4e&action=dlattach;topic=61714.0;attach=74327;image)
Finally, the group buy price for this keyboard set will be around $300.
What’s included:
Aluminum case
PCB
Carbon Fiber Plate
Stabilizer Set
Please post in this thread if you’re interested or you have any suggestions.